What better holiday present to give your wine-loving friends than Taste WA 2026 tickets? Yes, that’s right, Taste Washington returns in March 2026. And, just in time for the holidays, you can soon purchase tickets for the Grand Tasting. Specifically, Nov. 12. In addition, tickets for remaining Taste Washington events go on sale in early December. What a great idea for a stocking stuffer (or even as a gift for yourself). Continue reading
Category Archives: Red Mountain
Obelisco Estate
Back in 2012, we met Doug Long, co-owner and winemaker at Obelisco Estate, at a Washington Wine Commission event in the “other Washington” — D.C. We were immediately drawn to his friendliness, his humor, and his knowledge of the grape. Subsequently, we quickly became friends and frequently visited his Woodinville tasting room. At the time, I wrote “Obelisco meets our personal criteria for incredible wine and great people.” Sadly, Doug passed away in 2017. But his legacy continues. In August, we had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Doug’s daughter and Obelisco General Manager, Melissa Long Vilar, and her husband, Jacques Vilar. What lovely people. They poured six tasty wines in the Obelisco lineup. And they raved about their winemaker, David Rosenthal, who is returning to the winemaking style that Doug Long pursued, and we adored.
Summer Reds
Summer reds? Yes, please! Sure, most people think of whites, rosés, and bubbles for the deck in warm weather. But let’s not forget that red wine pairs perfectly with backyard barbecues. That’s right! Summertime means it’s grilling season. So fire up the BBQ. Here are a dozen bottles we served recently with grilled meat.
Continue reading
TOAST Honorees
Auction of Washington Wines (AWW) has announced an incredible lineup of TOAST honorees at a celebration on Aug. 14 at Sparkman Cellars in Woodville. The fourth annual TOAST Awards recognize leaders across Washington’s wine industry. Most important, we are absolutely delighted that our friend Mike Sauer of Red Willow Vineyard will receive the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He is truly wine royalty in our state. Read on for details about other award recipients and the TOAST event in August. Continue reading